These managers have gone above and beyond what was expected for their teams this season. The resumes of the following managers are shiny but only one can win the National League Manager of the Year award.
Dave Roberts-Los Angeles Dodgers
It's hard to fight a guy that has the majors best team and has only lost six games in their last 41 tries. The Dodgers are 83-34 and have a chance to win 116 games this season. The team is looking to break their franchise record for most wins in a season, which was set in 1953 at 105 wins. Despite losing Clayton Kershaw to a back injury, the Dodgers still refuse to lose.
It's a wild thought to think that LA could have 100 wins by the middle of September.
Bud Black-Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are battling the Arizona Diamondbacks for the top spot in the wild card. Ever since Black came over to Colorado, the likes of Charlie Blackmon, Gerardo Parra, Mark Reynolds, and Greg Holland took off this season. Nolan Arenado was already a stud, but he took a step further in his development, which is a scary thought. The Rockies have made the postseason once since making the World Series in 2007 but should return this year.
Terry Lovullo-Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks needed a change, and Lovullo was apparently the right pick. After missing the playoffs in an offseason where the Diamondbacks splurged on Zack Greinke, and unloaded their farm system for Shelby Miller, Arizona was in a tough spot.
However, ever since Lovullo took over, the team's success changed. The team is currently holding down the second wild card spot even though their 65-52 record would lead other divisions in the league. Paul Goldschmidt looks like the MVP front runner, and the rotation has been solid.
Craig Counsell-Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers were leading the National League Central for most of the season up until the end of July.
Still, the Brewers are just two games back of the Chicago Cubs in the division. The Brewers chose not to buy at the deadline to preserve their young future. If the Brewers don't make the postseason this year, Counsell could lead a strong, young team in 2018. However, he deserves credit for this season's accomplishments.
My take
The award deserves to go to Roberts. Even if the Dodgers don't break the MLB record for most wins in a season, held by the 1906 Cubs and 2001 Seattle Mariners at 116 wins, Roberts has taken the Dodgers to new heights. The team has been penciled in as the World Series favorite since June. The team has been rolling all year long. Even Yasiel Puig has been contributing, and most thought his career was done. Roberts has proved that he is the best manager in the NL for 2017.
